People who occasionally struggle with an upset stomach, heartburn, or acid reflux, may choose to take a Tums to neutralize stomach acid and reduce the effects of GI (gastrointestinal) upset. As a dog owner, it might make sense to ask, “can I give my dog Tums?” Tums’ active ingredient is calcium carbonate (each tablet usually contains 1000 mg of calcium carbonate), an antacid that helps neutralize heartburn-causing acid in the esophagus and stomach. If taking a Tums can bring instant relief for our heartburn or indigestion, can it also help your dog if he is experiencing symptoms of GI upset or other stomach problems?
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Before offering your dog a Tums, check with your veterinarian first. Tums can worsen some medical conditions in dogs, increase calcium blood levels, and interfere with some prescription medications. It’s always best to speak with your veterinarian before offering any over-the-counter medications to your friend canine.
In short, can you give a dog Tums? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider first.
How Do Tums Work in Dogs?
The calcium carbonate in Tums works to raise the digestive tract’s pH by neutralizing stomach acid. Offering a Tums to your best friend can help him feel better, however, it may not offer your dog as much relief. The calcium carbonate in Tums is not as “bioavailable” [1] as it is in humans. This means that the calcium will essentially pass through the digestive tract without being absorbed because canines digest things more quickly than humans. Some pups may experience little constipation after taking it, especially if they eat a large amount. Tums are relatively safe for dogs, provided they do not contain any artificial sweeteners. Do not give your pet Tums that are sweetened with sorbitol or aspartame, as these artificial sweeteners can cause some GI upset, and do not use when it contains xylitol as it is highly toxic.
Can I Give My Dog Tums for an Upset Stomach? Or Gas?
Like humans, dogs can occasionally suffer from heartburn, gastrointestinal (GI) upset, and gas. Heartburn symptoms in your furry friend include bad breath (halitosis), drooling, and decreased appetite. Signs of an upset stomach include diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and stomach pain. Tums are usually safe to give normally healthy dogs who aren’t taking other medications, but you’ll want to check with your veterinarian first. Also, some antacids are used to treat certain forms of kidney disease, but antacids such as Tums can make some types of kidney disease worse. It’s best to speak with your veterinarian first about the way antacids can your best friend’s health.
Are Tums Bad for Dogs?
Tums are not bad for dogs, but as mentioned above, the benefits are not as bioavailable as they are in humans. You can give your dog a Tums to help him feel better but always check with your veterinarian first. Below are listed some conditions where Tums can cause some problems for your pup.
- Medications. Tums can interfere [2] with other medications such as ranitidine, Ketoconazole, corticosteroids, tetracyclines, or digoxin. If your dog is on any medications, consult your veterinarian before offering a Tums.
- Kidney Function. Tums are not as effective as other veterinary medications, and if you have a dog with kidney issues, offering Tums could cause hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), and exacerbate kidney and urinary function.
- Chronic GI Issues. If your pooch has chronic GI issues, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Tums should not be used long-term, and your veterinarian can make more appropriate recommendations such as changes in diet or prescribing medications.
- Artificial Dyes. Tums often come in a variety of colors and can cause allergic reactions in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Puppies and Nursing Mothers. In puppies or nursing mothers, extra calcium can negatively impact bone and cartilage development in developing puppies, so it’s important to avoid using it in lactating mothers and puppies.
- Xylitol. Some Tums products contain xylitol which is highly toxic for dogs. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener and in even small amounts can cause drastic hypoglycemia, liver failure, seizures, and even death. Always check the ingredients in Tums before offering it to your pet.
READ MORE: Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
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How Many Tums Can I Give to my Dog?
Of course, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before administering Tums to your pet, however, if you think your dog could benefit from a Tums, the proper dose varies as to the strength of Tums and the weight of your pup. It is best to give tablets with food, and the dose varies from as little as 1200 mg (basically 1 tablet) to 20 grams (2 tablets). The recommended dose for most dogs as an antacid is 0.5-5 grams by mouth once every four hours as needed.
The recommended doses are listed below, but make sure you consult your veterinarian first.
- Small breeds (20 pounds and under): 1250 mg per 24 hours.
- Medium breeds (20-50 pounds): 2 grams to 4 grams per 24 hours.
- Large breeds (50-85 pounds): 4 grams to 6 grams per 24 hours.
- Giant breeds (over 85 pounds): 6 to 10 grams orally per 24 hours.
Can dogs have Tums or Pepto-Bismol?
In addition to Tums, dogs can also have Pepto-Bismol, however, Pepto (also known as Bismuth subsalicylate) works best for stomach issues rather than for lower gastrointestinal issues. However, most veterinarians rarely recommend using Pepto on a regular basis as the salicylates in the product can cause gastric bleeding, and the bismuth can turn stools black.
There are no documented interactions between Tums and Pepto-Bismol, so you may be able to give both. But, as always, consult your veterinarian first before giving any over-the-counter human medication to your dog.
Precautions When Giving Tums to Dogs
Before giving your dog Tums, always check with your vet first. There are also several precautions to consider.
- Never give Tums that have artificial sweeteners. Some Tums contain a sugar alternative called xylitol, which is very toxic for dogs.
- Watch for allergic reactions. Tums contain not only calcium carbonate but also other ingredients such as sugar and food coloring.
- The calcium in Tums can exacerbate kidney function, especially in dogs with renal insufficiency.
- Tums can cause some dogs to have loose stools and in some cases, constipation.
- The ingredients in Tums can negatively interact with other medications.
- Giving Tums to puppies and young dogs may interfere with proper bone growth and development.
What are Safe Alternatives to Tums?
There are alternatives to Tums if your dog suffers from diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, or stomach pain. However, your veterinarian can prescribe certain medications for your best friend that can also offer GI support. Some alternatives are listed below.
1. Probiotics
Sometimes beneficial microbes in the GI tract are destroyed, which can cause stomach upset and other issues. If your family friend suffers from chronic diarrhea or related issues, your veterinarian may suggest giving your pup probiotics to boost GI function and nutrient absorption.
2. Special diet
Some dogs may exhibit GI and stomach problems due to food or food allergies. Consult your veterinarian, and perhaps try a diet trial or a limited ingredient food. You may also want to try a bland diet for a few days especially if your pooch has stomach issues or suffers from a few mild episodes of stomach upset.
3. Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)
Pepto Bismol is safe to offer most dogs, but it can cause gastric bleeding, and the bismuth Pepto Bismol can turn the stool black. The recommended [3] dose for most dogs is 1 teaspoon per 5-10 pounds, given every 6-to-8 hours. Note: Never give cats Pepto Bismol as it is highly toxic to them.
4. Immodium (loperamide)
You can give your dog Immodium for diarrhea, and the proper dose is one 2 mg pill per 40 pounds of body weight 2-to-3 times daily, but you should not exceed three doses in 24 hours and do not use for more than 48 hours. If diarrhea does not resolve, contact your veterinarian.
5. Pepcid (famotidine)
Pepcid, or famotidine, comes in 10 mg tablets. It is an antacid, and dogs can receive one 10 mg tablet per 20 pounds of body weight every 12-to-24 hours, one hour before a meal. Check with your veterinarian first to verify the dose for your pet.
6. Tagamet (cimetidine)
Like Pepcid, Tagamet reduces acid production in the GI tract and is used off-label in veterinary medicine to treat or prevent stress, drug reactions, stomach or intestinal ulcers, or esophageal inflammation. The dose of Tagamet for dogs is 3-5mg per pound of body weight.
READ MORE: How to Give Medicine to a Dog?
My Dog Ate Tums. What Should I do?
If you suspect that your dog has ingested Tums, especially a large quantity, contact your veterinarian right away. If this happens, you may become worried about possible toxic side effects, but since they are mainly composed of calcium carbonate, they are unlikely to do your pet considerable harm. The good news is that calcium carbonate is not as readily absorbed by your pup, and typically passes through the digestive tract.
However, if you suspect that your pet has ingested Tums that include artificial sweeteners or Xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can also contact the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline at (855)764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435. There may be a charge for the calls, but the poison control experts on the other line can help determine whether your pet is in danger.
RELATED ARTICLE: Signs of Dog Poisoning
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FAQs
What Can I Give my Dog for an Upset Stomach?
The most common signs of upset stomach in dogs are diarrhea and vomiting. If you think your dog has just a case of an upset stomach, try giving a Tums using the dosing chart above, or a Pepcid or some Pepto Bismol. You can also try offering him a mild diet of steamed white rice and boiled chicken without the skin for a day or two. However, if symptoms persist, give your veterinarian a call.
What Kind of Antacid Can I Give my dog?
As discussed above, there are a variety of antacids you can offer your dog, including Tums, Pepcid, or Ranitidine. Antacids are medications that utilize inorganic salts that function to reduce the buildup of stomach acid. These medications are not as effective in canines as the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which essentially block the common pathway of acid production in the stomach.
Can Dogs Have Tums or Pepto Bismol?
The answer is yes but always double-check with your veterinarian first. The dose for Tums is 0.5-5 grams by mouth once every four hours, and the dose for Pepto Bismol is 1 teaspoon by mouth per 5-10 pounds, given every 6-to-8 hours. But if your dog vomits up the Pepto-Bismol, call your veterinarian.
What Can You Give a Dog Over the Counter for an Upset Stomach?
Pepto Bismol, Tums, Pepcid (famotidine), and Tagamet (cimetidine) can be given to your dog for an upset stomach or heartburn. These medications work by decreasing the production of GI acids and can make your best friend feel better. Although it’s perfectly OK to use these medications occasionally for stomach upset, you should contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist.
READ MORE: 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Snore
Final Notes
Tums can offer some relief for your pup if he is suffering from stomach upset or heartburn, and if you follow the advice outlined above, there are things you can do to offer your best friend some relief. However, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian first before giving any medication by yourself.
Article Source:
- Hanzlik, Robert. “Relative Bioavailability of Calcium from Calcium Formate, Calcium Citrate, and Calcium Carbonate.” PubMed, 25 Feb. 2021, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15734899/.
- “Antacids – Pet, Dog and Cat Medication and Prescription List.” PetMD, 2 Apr. 2021, petmd.com/pet-medication/antacids.
- Donovan, Liz. “Dosages of OTC Medicines That Are Dog-Friendly.” American Kennel Club, 7 Mar. 2018, akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-pepto-bismol-safe-for-dogs/.